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Lakers Select Bronny James in Second Round of NBA Draft, Forming First Ever Father-Son Player Duo!

June 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It happened! Bronny James was just drafted into the National Basketball Association. Who pulled the trigger? The Los Angeles Lakers, of course.

In a move fans expected, not to mention Vegas oddsmakers, the Lakers who just hired JJ Redick as their head coach, selected 19-year-old Bronny James with their 55th pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Wow.

If you’re a historian, here’s what the pick means. This groundbreaking choice aligns Bronny together with his dad, active NBA legend LeBron James. This creates the first father-son duo to play simultaneously in the league not to mention wearing the same jerseys.

Naturally, the Lakers risky pick promises one thing, to be a major draw for fans. Who doesn’t want to see the chance of Bronny on the court at the same time as LeBron! C’mon, seriously!! But outside of fandom, this move realizes a long-held dream of LeBron: to share the court with his son in the NBA.

Now onto business of basketball and what’s really on front street.

Bronny enters the Lakers’ organization as one of the final picks in the draft, sparking debate over whether his selection was influenced by his father’s stature as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In his single season with the USC Trojans, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. These statistics are somewhat skewed due to his season being cut short after he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice last July, caused by a congenital heart defect. Despite this setback, he made a remarkable recovery and rejoined his team for the last 25 games of the season.

At just 19, not young for NBA rookie standards, as that’s the average age in the one and one collegiate system, Bronny is expected to spend time developing his skills within the Lakers’ developmental system, likely playing for the South Bay Lakers rather than the main roster. Probably the smartest move they can make, all due respect.

Still, there is considerable anticipation and pressure to see the father-son duo on the NBA court together. Like, what is this really going to look like?

LeBron, who himself was under intense scrutiny after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a high school phenom, is well-acquainted with handling lofty expectations. How does that play for his son who is the most hyped late second round pick in NBA history. Only time will tell. Nevertheless, good luck Bronny. Welcome to the association!

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Will Bronny James Get Drafted? Lakers Draft Clock is Ticking

June 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In case you’re not tuned into the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James is still available, by any team let alone the Los Angeles Lakers.

The famous son of his superstar father LeBron James, did not hear his name called during the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, he remains a potential pick for teams selecting between No. 31 and No. 58 on Thursday.

If you don’t have a beat on who Bronny is as a prospect, his basketball career includes a single season at the University of Southern California, where he averaged 4.8 points per game over 25 contests, primarily coming off the bench.

ICYMI, Bronny’s college career was delayed after he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a workout at USC on July 24. That is a big deal for anyone, especially an NBA prospect. He was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, which his family reported could be treated. Bronny was eventually cleared to play, but he didn’t take to the court until USC’s ninth game of the season.

LeBron James, who has played for the Los Angeles Lakers since the 2018-19 season, must decide by Saturday whether to remain with the team. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has previously expressed a desire to play alongside his son, although he has recently downplayed this goal.

While the NBA has seen several father-son duos, such as Dell and Steph Curry, none have played simultaneously. A team that selects or signs Bronny James could potentially influence LeBron’s decisions.

Get this, at 39, LeBron James continues to be a dominant force in the NBA. He has developed into a proficient 3-point shooter, achieving a 41% success rate this past season, surpassing the league average of 36.6% and even edging out Steph Curry’s 40.8%.

Now the Lakers hold the No. 55 pick in the second round. Should LeBron choose free agency but want to stay close to Southern California, several teams with second-round picks could be in play, including the Utah Jazz (No. 32), Portland Trail Blazers (34 and 40), Sacramento Kings (45), Los Angeles Clippers (46), Golden State Warriors (52), and the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets (56).

Whether Bronny gets drafted is a big if, but one thing is certain, the Lakers are on the clock.

The post Will Bronny James Get Drafted? Lakers Draft Clock is Ticking first appeared on The Source.

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NBA Draft Night 1: French Players Taken Top 2, Bronny Undrafted in First Round

June 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The 2024 NBA Draft picked up where it left off with Wemby last year, showing love to French players out the gate. Three of the first six picks hailing from over the pond in France.

The European trend didn’t stop there. Pllayers from Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland were also selected alongside additional French talents.

French star Zaccharie Risacher, a 19-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward, was chosen as the No. 1 pick by the Atlanta Hawks.

Following him was 7-foot Alex Sarr, a standout from Australia’s Perth Wildcats, who was picked second by the Washington Wizards.

The third pick was guard Reed Sheppard from Kentucky, a 6-foot-2 shooter.

But the million dollar question of the night was whether Bronny James, son of LeBron James, would make it into the first round. He didn’t. This is not so surprising. Depending on what sources or scouts you listened to, his combine and workouts were more than decent but perhaps not quite worthy of taking a first round spot.

Not hearing Bronny’s name, left the James family to wait for the second round on Friday, with the Lakers holding the 55th pick.

Gotta root for the kid, right? The pressure. The heavy weight on his shoulders to make to the association in the shadow of arguably the greatest of all time. Has to be tough.

Get this, ESPN faced an awkward moment when they mistakenly identified Tidjane Salaün of France, who was picked sixth by the Charlotte Hornets, as Dalton Knecht, who is actually the Lakers’ selection.

Anyway, here is the first round draft board from NBA.com:

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Snoop Dogg at US trials Runs 200m in 34.44 seconds at 52-Years-Old

June 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Snoop Dogg, best known for his iconic music, big brand partnerships, acting and social posts tried his hand at track and field during the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon on Monday.

Rocking a tracksuit in American flag colors and a Team USA shirt honoring the late Kobe Bryant, Snoop competed in a 200-meter exhibition race against former Olympic medalist Ato Boldon from Trinidad and two-time NCAA outdoor 200m champion Wallace Spearmon.

Although Snoop finished last, he completed the race in a commendable 34.44 seconds. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “34.44 for a 52-year-old? Ain’t bad,” before posing proudly with his time.

ICYMI, Snoop is set to travel to Paris as a Special Correspondent for NBC’s primetime coverage of the Olympic Games, working alongside host Mike Tirico. During the trials, he offered his unique perspective on the events, particularly the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

Back trackside for NBC’s broadcast, Snoop described the race, saying, “What we’re about to see right now is they’re about to get to dipping, gripping, riding, slipping and hopefully not sliding.” He was particularly surprised by the technique of jumping off hurdles, exclaiming, “Oh he’s jumping on top of the hurdle. You can do that?! That was a cold trick right there. I like that one. Went off the tippy-top.”

Naturally, NBC highlighted Snoop’s commentary on their X account, calling it “ELECTRIC” and “the content we never knew we needed.”

Get this, with the US trials in full swing, athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles have already secured their spots for the upcoming Games. Snoop summed up his experience on his X account, writing, “This wknd was fun … much respect to all tha world class athletes … see ya’ll in Paris.”

Snoop Dogg 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials billboard 1548.jpg

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New Lakers Coach JJ Redick Denies Allegation of Using N-Word at Duke

June 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Newly appointed Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has vehemently denied allegations that he used a racial slur during his college playing days at Duke University. The allegation surfaced shortly after Redick held his inaugural press conference as the Lakers’ head coach on Monday.

The Allegation

The controversy began on Tuesday when author and speaker Halleemah Nash took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her experience. Nash alleged that she was called the N-word by Redick while working with the Duke basketball team. “I’ve only been called the N-word to my face by a white man once in my life and it was on the campus of Duke University while I was doing work with the basketball team. And today [sic] he was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. What a world,” Nash wrote.

Timeline and Context

Redick played for Duke from 2002 to 2006. Nash’s LinkedIn profile indicates that she worked with the team in 2003 and 2004. Although Nash did not specify the exact timing of the incident, her tweet quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views within hours.

Redick’s Response

On Tuesday night, a spokesperson for Redick denied the allegations, telling TMZ Sports, “No, it never happened.” The spokesperson’s denial was an unequivocal rejection of Nash’s claims.

Nash’s Follow-Up

Later on Tuesday, Nash provided additional context on X, reflecting on the incident and acknowledging the potential for personal growth. “This was years ago and I’m a believer that we all have space to grow- especially from our college level maturity,” Nash wrote. “We live in a world where these exchanges happen and the intersection of race and privilege and lack of accountability all collided w/that presser.”

Redick’s Career

JJ Redick, 40, enjoyed a distinguished 15-year NBA career, playing for teams such as the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. He was named national college player of the year in 2006, and his No. 4 jersey was retired by Duke. After retiring from professional basketball in 2021, Redick transitioned to a successful media career, including a role as a commentator for this year’s NBA finals and co-hosting a popular podcast with LeBron James. Upon accepting the Lakers head coaching position, Redick announced he would step away from the podcast to focus on his new role.

Moving Forward

As Redick steps into his new role with the Lakers, the allegations present an unexpected challenge. The basketball community and fans will be watching closely to see how both Redick and the Lakers organization handle the situation. For now, Redick remains focused on leading the Lakers, a team that includes superstar LeBron James, as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

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Sha’Carri Richardson Qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympics with Stunning 100-Meter Victory

June 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

SOURCE SPORTS: Sha'Carri Richardson Will Miss 2021 Olympics Due To Failed Drug Test

Sha’Carri Richardson has officially secured her place at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a sensational performance in the 100-meter final at the Olympic trials held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson, 24, clocked in at an impressive 10.71 seconds, marking the fastest time in the 100 meters globally this year.

A Triumphant Qualification

Richardson’s victory on Saturday signifies her first qualification for the Olympic Games, a milestone moment in her already illustrious career. Her road to the final was not without challenges; on Friday, she advanced to the semifinals despite a stumbling start and an untied shoe, finishing first. She continued her dominance in the semifinals, recording a time of 10.86 seconds to secure her spot in the final.

Black girl Magic

Joining Richardson on the US Olympic team are her training partner Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, who finished in second and third place, respectively. The trio’s qualification underscores the depth of talent in American women’s sprinting.

Incredible race by Sha’Carri Richardson! #TrackFieldTrials24 pic.twitter.com/UHdKfVwHgV

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 22, 2024

Overcoming Past Setbacks

Richardson’s journey to the Olympics comes after a significant setback in 2021. She was widely expected to be a standout at the Tokyo Olympic Games following her victory in the women’s 100 meters at the US trials. However, she was sidelined by a one-month ban due to a positive test for THC, a chemical found in marijuana.

A Historic 2023 Season

The 2023 season has been particularly noteworthy for Richardson. She made headlines at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, by winning the women’s 100 meters with a championship record time of 10.65 seconds. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal in the 200-meter race, finishing behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and fellow American Gabby Thomas. Richardson capped off her championship performance by anchoring the American 4×100 relay team to a gold medal.

Looking Ahead to Paris

Richardson’s qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics not only redeems her past Olympic disappointment but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and potentially record-breaking performance in Paris. Her resilience, speed, and determination have made her one of the most compelling athletes to watch in the upcoming Games.

As the Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Richardson, who continues to inspire with her remarkable comeback and unwavering spirit.

The post Sha’Carri Richardson Qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympics with Stunning 100-Meter Victory first appeared on The Source.

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SEE IT: Drake Loses $1 million Betting on Oilers, Mavericks to Take Stanley Cup, NBA Finals

June 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake’s bad luck in sports betting continues.

The Six God recently lost a sizable $500,000 bet on the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup.

His hopes were dashed when the Florida Panthers clinched Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final with a 2-1 victory. Had the bet hit, Drake would have netted $1.025 million. Sheesh. They call that a bad beat in the betting world.

Drake’s latest betting loss follows another high-stakes wager where Drake bet $500,000 on the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Unfortunately for Drake, the Celtics triumphed over the Mavericks in five games, securing their 18th NBA title. If the Mavericks had won, Drake stood to gain $1.375 million. SMH.

But hey, the sports gods have their own agenda. And Drake is a grown up with a lot of bread to risk.

Nevertheless, his gambling L’s add to the growing narrative of the “Drake Curse,” a phenomenon where teams and athletes seem to lose when Drake either publicly supports them or places bets on their success.

Not for nothing, the Oilers showed promise by nearly overcoming a 3-0 series deficit. Connor McDavid, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP, played a significant role in their comeback with three goals and five assists in Games 4 and 5. However, the Oilers couldn’t complete the historic rally, leaving the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs as the only team to have ever rebounded from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final.

FTR, we don’t really pay too much attention in curses and superstitions, especially when it comes to betting. Here’s what it is. Drake made some bets and lost. It’s that simple and it happens. Unfortunately with a gambler of Drake’s caliber and scale, when he loses, he tends to lose big. But in the average mere mortal’s eyes, because the numbers are enormous it looks devastating. But for Drake, let’s be real. He’s more than likely betting with play money. Does it really hurt him? Eh, probably not.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Toronto Blue Jays’ Orelvis Martinez Gets 80-Game Suspension For PED Two Days After MLB Debut

June 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Reports have confirmed that Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez was suspended for 80 games on Sunday for violating Major League Baseball’s PED(performance-enhancing drug) policy just two days after debuting in the major leagues.

the 22-year-old Blue Jay is the organization’s top prospect at the plate and was called up last week after shortstop Bo Bichett was placed on the IL.

Martinez tested positive for clomiphene, a fertility drug on the league’s list of banned substances.

In his statement, Martinez said that he spent two years trying to start a family with is girlfriend and was prescribed Rejun 50, which is clomiphene in a tablet form, which he obtained in the winter after visiting a fertility clinic in his native Dominican Republic.

There is no word on whether or not there will be an appeal, but Russ Atkins, Toronto’s EVP & General Manager, gave a statement about the suspension. “The Blue Jays fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, and strongly believe in keeping the game on a level playing field. We were both surprised and disappointed to learn of Orelvis Martinez’s suspension. We will do everything in our power to ensure Orelvis has learned from this mistake. Orelvis has our support, and we know he will get through this.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Toronto Blue Jays’ Orelvis Martinez Gets 80-Game Suspension For PED Two Days After MLB Debut first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Cyclones Give Back To The Community By Hosting LES RBI Vs. Bed Stuy Sluggers “Ambush Baseball” Game

June 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

From the small, intimate crowd, yet the electric energy from the attending fans, there was no doubt that these fans were parents cheering on their children in Maimonides Field, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. This wasn’t a High-A minor league game, the division of the New York Mets organization to which the Cyclones belong, but a Little League game of 11 and 12-year-olds from the disadvantaged neighborhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

With the bases pulled in about 30 feet for the young baseball hopefuls, the “Ambush Baseball” game was full of excitement and in between inning contests, but most importantly, the children on the field enjoying the opportunity to play on a Big League field may just be a once in a lifetime dream. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of the LES RBI(Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) team was made up children of migrants, who’ve only been in the United States for only a matter of months and this is the first time some of these children got to be a kid.

When asked about the importance of bringing the game of baseball to the recent arrivals, LES RBI Manager Frankie Almeida said, “I work in the DOE, so I met a lot of the children through my school, where I work as a sports specialist. I met a lot of these kids when they first came to the States.” Almeida, who has been with the RBI program since 1993, added, “When the winter came, they didn’t really have much to do as far as activities, but as the Spring came, they gradually started coming.”

Bed Stuy Sluggers founder and manager Yaseen Allah echoed Almeida’s sentiment, who brought the two neighborhood teams together. “It keeps them active and right now they don’t have much to do,” Allah said. “I went to see what he was doing and during gym class, he was teaching them baseball everyday. I decided to partner up with him and come into our program to play for the spring and summer.”

Tony Nunez, who coaches the Bed Stuy Sluggers and has a grandson on the team, contends that these types of events are key in social development for the migrant players. “I like the fact that they’re being exposed to events like this,” says the father of Astros organization’s Antonio Nunez, who was drafted to the majors in 2014. “If either team were not here today, they may not get another opportunity like this. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. They’re new to this country and they probably haven’t been exposed to anything of this magnitude.”

After six innings of mostly stolen bases and singles that became triples, the LES RBI team of 12-year-olds (and migrants) dominated Bed Stuy with a final score of 15-6.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Cyclones Give Back To The Community By Hosting LES RBI Vs. Bed Stuy Sluggers “Ambush Baseball” Game first appeared on The Source.

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LeBron James Expected to Become Unrestricted Free Agent and Opt out of Lakers Contract

June 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lakers star, LeBron James is expected to opt out of the final year of his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to become an unrestricted free agent. Now this might not be earth shattering news but according to Dan Woike of The LA Times, the move grants James two significant advantages: the ability to sign with any team and the eligibility to receive a no-trade clause due to his tenure with the Lakers and his overall NBA career length.

Opting out may slightly reduce his potential earnings on a new contract with the Lakers compared to extending his current deal. As a free agent, a three-year max contract would be worth about $162 million, starting at a max salary calculated as 5% above his previous $47.6 million salary and including 8% raises in subsequent years. In contrast, opting in and extending would result in over $164 million, as it would start from his $51.4 million player option figure.

If unfamiliar, the Over-38 Rule limits James to a maximum of a three-year contract. Despite the minor financial difference, the security of a no-trade clause might be more valuable to him. Historically, James has preferred short-term deals to maximize flexibility and take advantage of the rising salary cap, which is expected to increase by the maximum 10% annually starting next offseason.

Don’t get too excited at the prospect of King James donning another uniform to end his career. Remaining with the Lakers is anticipated, other teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Oklahoma City Thunder might show interest. Sign-and-trade or opt-in and trade scenarios are also possible, with a decision deadline of June 29.

ICYMI, the Lakers, having hired James’ podcast co-host JJ Redick as head coach and expected to draft his son Bronny, are favored to retain him. However, James’ free agency will allow him to explore all potential opportunities before making a final decision.

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